US3003703A

US3003703A - Device for delivering liquid mixtures

Info

Publication number: US3003703A
Application number: US800711A
Authority: US
Inventors: Lambton Charles William
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1958-03-31
Filing date: 1959-03-20
Publication date: 1961-10-10
Anticipated expiration: 1978-10-10
Also published as: CH386938A; GB878643A

Description

Oct. 10, 1961 c. w. LAMBTON DEVICE FOR DELIVERING LIQUID MIXTURES 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 20, 1959 Oct. 10, 1961 c. w. LAMBTQN 3,003,703

DEVICE FOR DELIVERING LIQUID MIXTURES Filed March 20, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Oct. 10, 1961 c. w. LAMBTON 3,003,703

DEVICE FOR DELIVERING LIQUID MIXTURES Filed March 20, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 26 J J 51% 54 n 37 4 I 36 A? a 5/ if I /09 1/0 F 5; 10% m5 7 .5 /06' mm W W 5. Wk

Oct. 10, 1961 c. w. LAMBTON 3,003,703

DEVICE FOR DELIVERING LIQUID MIXTURES Filed March 20, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 I. si

MW SM United States Patent 3,003,703 DEVICE FOR DELIVERING LIQUID MIXTURES Charles William Lambton, Mortimer, England Filed Mar. 20, 1959, Ser. No. 800,711 Claims priority, application Great Britain Sept. 29, 1958 17 Claims. (Cl. 239-309) This invention relates to a device for mixtures.

The invention has for one object to provide a device of simple construction, adapted to be fitted into a Water or other liquid supply, which can be used to introduce into such supply a quantity of perfume, soap, detergent, deodorant, antiseptic or other chemical substance as desired by the user so as to form a solution thereof in the liquid supply, but which at the same time does not interfere with the normal supply of the liquid when the mixture is not required.

To this end the present invention consists broadly in a mixing device for delivering liquid mixtures or solutions comprising a housing having inlet and outlet openings for the liquid, at least one restricted passage for the flow of liquid between said inlet and outlet openings and a suction passage communicating with said restricted passage through which the substance to be mixed with the liquid is delivered to the restricted passage by the suction eflEect created by the flow of liquid through the said restricted passage and means for holding at least one capsule filled with the substance to be mixed with the liquid in relation to piercing means for puncturing the wall of the capsule to permit discharge of the contents from said capsule to the suction passage.

To facilitate the discharge of the capsule contents the capsule wall is pierced so that the interior of the same is opened to atmosphere in addition to the puncturing provided for permitting discharge of the contents. For this purpose, the piercing means may consist for example of an elongated member having a pointed or sharpened end and a slot extending longitudinally thereof, the member being of such length that the same extends completely through the capsule when pierced so that the longitudinal slot provides an inlet on one side of the capsule for the ingress of air and an outlet on the opposite side of the capsule for the discharge of the capsule contents. The capsule contents are discharged into a well with which the suction passage is connected, the discharged substance being withdrawn from the well through the suction passage for delivery to the restricted passage.

The capsules for use with the mixing device of the present invention are made of a material which can easily be punctured for example by pressing the piercing means against the capsule wall. The capsules may therefore advantageously be made of gelatine, synthetic plastic material or alginate material and may be spherical or of any other desired shape.

Preferably heat insulating means are provided between the capsule holding means and the housing so that if the device is subject to heating by the passage of a heated liquid therethrough heating of the capsules is prevented. For example, if the device is used as a bath spray and the capsules are made of a material of comparatively low melting point, e.g. gelatine, melting of the capsule would in all probability occur as a result of the heat conducted from the housing to the capsule holding means. This may as stated be prevented by the provision of heat insulating means between the housing and capsule holding means or alternatively the said holding means can be made of a material which is a poor conductor of heat.

The capsule holding means may be constructed as a magazine which can be loaded with a number of capsules, the capsules being positionable one or more at a delivering liquid time in register with the piercing means in readiness for puncturing when mixing is required, emptied capsules being subsequently removed and discarded. The magazine may be constructed to hold a number of capsules in spaced relationship and be mounted so as to be movable to bring one or more capsules at a time into register with the piercing means. Alternatively the magazine may consist of a container for holding a number of capsules, the container having a controllable discharge outlet through which a capsule or capsules can be delivered to the capsule holding means.

Preferably the capsule holding means is constructed so that the capsules simply rest thereon in which case means are provided for preventing dislodgement of the capsules during piercing Such means may consist simply of an abutment between which and the piercing means each capsule is located when in the piercing position, the abutment serving to retain the capsule on the holding means against the thrust of the piercing means during puncturing.

The device of the present invention is particularly suitable for toilet purposes and to this end the outlet of the housing is advantageously formed as or provided with a. spray nozzle so that the solution or mixture is delivered in the form of spray, the inlet opening of the housing being suitably adapted for connecting to the Water supply of for example, a bath shower, or alternatively the same may be adapted for use with a hand spraying unit.

In mixing devices of the kind above referred to the substance to be mixed with the liquid is frequently delivered into the mixing device at a pressure lower than that of the liquid supply. Accordingly there is the possibility of a back pressure being created by the liquid with the result that mixing is inefiicient if not entirely prevented. This is more likely to occur in combined mixing and spray devices of the kind in which the substance to be mixed with the liquid is drawn into the mixing device by suction and the liquid spray is provided with a nozzle or nozzles which is or are adjustable to regulate the spray issuing from the spray nozzles, in which case the throttling effect on the liquid when the nozzle or nozzles is or are adjusted particularly to give a fine spray, can result in the creation of the back pressure.

A further object of the invention is therefore to provide certain improvements which permit a liquid spray having an adjustable nozzle or nozzles to be used in combination with the mixing device without the disadvantage referred to above.

To this end the invention also consists broadly in the provision of means for regulating the flow of liquid in the mixing device simultaneously with and in accordance with the regulation or" the flow of liquid through the adjustable nozzle or nozzles of the liquid spray. The regulation can be effected by causing the liquid entering the mixing device to flow through a passage the cross sectional area of which can be varied, preferably automatically, with adjustment of the spray nozzle or nozzles. According to one arrangement this can be effected in a simple manner by providing a needle valve in the liquid flow passage, which is axially displaceable to eiiect variation of the cross sectional area of the passage with re sulting regulation of the flow of liquid therethrough.

in a combined mixing device and liquid spray it is of considerable advantage to provide a universal mounting for example :a ball and socket arrangement between the liquid spray and the mixing device so that spray from the liquid spray can be discharged in any desired direction when the combined device is installed. Thus a still further object of the invention is to provide this feature in a combined mixing device and liquid spray.-

In order that the invention may clearly be understood FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a further embodiinent of a combined mixing device and liquid spray, the liquid spray having two adjustable spray nozzles and also being universally mounted on the mixing device.

FIGURE 4 is an underneath plan view of the device shown in FIGURE 3.

FIGURE is a section through the device of FIG- URES 3 and 4.

FIGURE 6 a section through a combined mixing device and liquid spray similar to that shown in FIG- URE 5 but having a single nozzle adjustment of which is eflected by a screw thread, certain parts of the mixing device already shown in FIGURE 5 being left out.

FIGURE 7 is a section through a combined mixing device of the kind shown in FIGURE 5 and'liquid spray having non-adjustable nozzles certain parts of the mixing device already shown in FIGURE 5 being left out.

FIGURE 8 is a cross section through a liquid spray having two adjustable nozzles, the nozzle adjustment being effected by a screw thread arrangement preferably a difierential screw thread arrangement.

I FIGURE 9 is a detail view to an enlarged scale of a particular form of construction of nozzle apertures.

According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 the mixing device comprises a housing 1 made as a metal casting the housing having a substantially cylindrical portion 2 which merges into a belled portion 3, the cylindrical portion having a core which provides the inlet opening 4 for the water whilst the outer end of the belled portion is closed by a detachable perforated cover 5 which provides the outlet and through which the liquid issues as spray, the cover being secured in position by a retaining ring 5a screwed onto the threaded periphery of the housing a sealing ring 5b providing a watertight joint.

The interior of the housing is divided by a transverse wall 6 through which extends a venturi opening 7 which provides a restricted passage for the flow of water through the housing, the suction efiect created by the flow'of water through the venturi serving to draw' the substance to be mixed with the water from a well 8 through a suction passage 9 provided in the housing.

The well 8 is provided by the inner closed end of the bore 10 of a casing 11 which is open at its other end 12 the casing being formed integral with the housing and extending'longitudinally thereof, the contents from a punctured capsule being discharged into the casing so as to collect in the -well. For this purpose each capsule 13 to be pierced is located over the open end 12 of the casing by capsule holding means in which position the capsule can be pierced by piercing means consisting of a plunger 14 which is mounted so as to be axially slidable in a sealed bore 15 in the closed end of the casing 11. The end 16 of the plunger extending into the casing is pointed whilst the outer end which extends out of the casing is provided with a knob 17 which can be grasped by the user to eiiect axial sliding movements of the plunger. The portion of the length of the plunger within the casing is provided with a longitudinal slot 18 and topuncture a capsule 13 located in the piercing position the plunger 14 is moved inwardly of the casing from the retracted position shown to cause the pointed end 16 to pass completely through the positioned capsule with the result that the longitudinal slot 18 provides an inleton one side of the capsule for the entry of air and an outlet at the opposite side which permits the substance contained in the capsule to discharge into the 4 casing 11 and collect in the well 8 from which the same is withdrawn by suction through the suction passage 9 into the stream of water flowing through the restricted passage 7.

The capsule holding means is in the form of a magazine which is constituted by a ring '19 mounted concentrically around the cylindrical portion 2 of the housing so as to be rotatable therearound. The ring is provided with a plurality of apertures 20 arranged around the ring in spaced relationship each aperture being adapted to support a capsule the ring thus providing a magazine for supporting a plurality of capsules in spaced relationship. By effecting step by step rotation of the ring each capsule can be brought in turn into register with the plunger 14 in readiness for piercing when mixing is required, a spring loaded detent 21 being provided for holding the ring in each capsule locating position. To prevent a capsule from being dislodged during puncturing each capsule is retained against the thrust of the plunger by an abutment 22 carried by a bush 23 screwed onto the cylindrical portion of the housing the abutment extending radially outwards from the cylindrical portion of the housing and positioned so that each capsule when in the piercing position is disposed between the abutment and the plunger.

As in use the housing will become heated due to the fiow of hot water therethrough it is desirable to prevent conduction of the heat to any surfaces in contact with the capsules to prevent damage thereto which could easily occur particularly if the capsules are made of gelatine or other material of low melting point. Thus both the magazine ring 19 and the abutment 22 can be made of a material which is a poor conductor of heat or alternatively the bush 23 can be made of heat insulating material a bush 24 also of heat-insulating material being interposed between the housing and the magazine.

' In the combined mixing device and liquid spray shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, a universal mounting is provided between the liquid spray and mixing device, the liquid spray being provided with two adjustable nozzles, means also being provided in the device for regulating the flow of liquid in the mixing device simultaneously with and in accordance with the regulation of the flow of liquid through the adjustable nozzles of the liquid spray to prevent the creation of a back pressure which might prevent satisfactory mixing.

In the construction shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 the device consists of a part spherical housing 25 having a substantially cylindrical portion 26, which has a bore 27 providing the inlet opening for water, the bore 27 being threaded internally to permit the device to be connected to a water supply.

The cylindrical portion 26 provides a support for the rotatable magazine ring 28 having the spaced apertures 29 for the capsules 13, a bush 30 carrying the capsule retaining abutment 31 also being mounted on the cylindrical portion 26 the bush being secured in position by a retaining screw 32. The magazine ring is located in each capsule piercing position by a spring loaded detent engageable in turn in each one of holes 33 provided around a collar 34 forming part of the magazine ring 28. A sleeve 35 of heat insulating material is provided around the exterior of the cylindrical portion 26 to prevent the conduction of heat from hot water passing through the device to the magazine ring and capsule retaining abutment.

A capsule located in the piercing position is adapted to be pierced by piercing means consisting of the plunger 36 having a pointed inner end 37, the plunger being slidably mounted in a sealed bore of a cap nut 38 providing a closure for one end of the casing 39 formed integral with the housing 25.

' The plunger 36 is provided with a longitudinal slot 40 which as in the previously described embodiment, provides an inlet on one side of the capsule for the entry of air thereto and an outlet at the opposite side which permits the substance contained in a pierced capsule to discharge into the casing 39, through the open upper end 39a thereof, the lower closed end of the bore of which provides a well 41 in which the substance collects.

The interior of the housing 25 is formed as a socket for the reception of a ball 42 provided with a tubular spigot 43 a portion of the length of which is threaded to provide a coupling for the attachment of the liquid spray denoted generally by reference 44. The ball and socket thus provide a universal mounting which permits the liquid spray to be angularly adjusted in relation to the mixing device. The ball 42 is retained in the housing socket by a locating ring 45 which is secured in position in the open end of housing 25 by a flanged retaining ring 46 screwed onto an external thread provided around the open end of the housing, a sealing member 47 being provided between the locating ring 45 and housing 25, a further sealing member 48 being provided between the ball42 and locating ring 45.

The ball 42 is provided with a through bore 49 which is coaxial with the bore of the spigot 43. The co-axial bores are formed as a venturi and provide the restricted passage for the flow of water from the inlet 27. The ball 42 also has a peripheral groove 50 which communicates through a drilling 51 also provided in the ball, with the through bore in the ball. The interior of the socket formed in the housing is also provided with a peripheral groove 52 which communicates with one end of the suction passage 53 which extends through the wall of casing 39, the other end of this passage being in communication with the well 41. The grooves in the ball and socket when diametrically in registration with one another form together an annular passage connecting the suction passage 53 of the mixing device with the drilling 51 in the ball, the grooves also remaining in communication with one another even when angularly disposed to one another when the liquid spray is adjusted to any angular position. A further sealing member 54 located in a groove in the housing socket provides additional sealing to prevent leakage.

The mixing device is operable in the same manner as that disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2.. Thus a capsule 13 located in the piercing position beneath the abutment 31 is pierced upon inward movement of plunger 36 from the retracted position shown in FIG. 5. The plunger extending completely through the capsule opens the interior to atmosphere through the slot 40 so that the discharge of the capsule contents into well 41 is facilitated, the substance collecting in the well being sucked through suction passage 53

grooves

52 and 50 and drilling 51 into the through bore 49 by the suction effect created by the water flowing through said bore the mixture so formed then flowing into the liquid spray 44 through apertures 55 formed in the wall of spigot 43 adjacent the end thereof extending into the liquid spray. a

The device 44 has two adjustable spray nozzles both of which are adjustable to permit regulation of the stream of spray. As shown the spray device consists of a spherical housing 56 which as abovementioned is screwed onto the threaded portion of the spigot 43, the housing being provided with an enlarged bore 57 in which the spray nozzles are located, such nozzles consisting of an outer and an inner nozzle arranged concentrically with one another.

The outer nozzle is formed by the enlarged bore 57 in the housing wall in which is disposed a circular member constituted by a flange 104 formed on one end of a sleeve 105 which is mounted in the housing concentric to the enlarged bore 57 and axially slidable in relation thereto, the inner end of the sleeve engaging around the outer end of spigot 43 of the mixing device. The periphery of the flange bears against a packing ring 57a in the bore 57 and has axially extending grooves 106 which provide the nozzle apertures with the surrounding portion of the enlarged bore.

The inner nozzle is formed by a disc 107 located in one end of the bore of the aforementioned sleeve 105 said disc being disposed on one end of a plunger 108 extending through the sleeve bore and slidable therein. The periphery of the disc 107 bears against a packing ring 107a in the sleeve bore and also has the axiallyextending grooves 106 which form the inner nozzle apertures with the surrounding portion of the bore of sleeve 105. The inner nozzle is in communication with the interior of housing 56 through radial apertures 109 in the wall of the sleeve and an annular space 110 formed by reducing the diameter of plunger 108 for a portion of its length extending from the inner surface of disc 107.

Axial movement of the sleeve and the plunger to effect respectively the simultaneous regulation of the two nozzles is effected by a common operating member, through cams. As shown, two cams are provided on the inner end of a shaft 111 rotatably mounted in a bore 112 in the housing 56 so as to extend at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 105 and plunger 108. The cams are formed integal with the shaft, the cam 113 being constituted by a disc, and the cam 114 by a pin, both cams being eccentric to the axis of rotation of the shaft 111. The cam 113 is located in a slot 115 provided in the wall of the sleeve 105 and the earn 114 in a peripheral groove 116 in the plunger 108. The outer end of the shaft 111 projects outwardly of the casing such outer end being provided with a lever 117 through which the shaft can be rotated to cause corresponding rotation of the cams and the axial movement of the sleeve and plunger. A seal ring 118 is provided to prevent leakage along the shaft 111.

The construction according to FIGS. 3 to 5 can be modified in several Ways. For example the ball 42 may be made integral with the liquid spray but is for preference as shown made as a separate component and screwed or otherwise secured thereto. The seals provided between the ball and socket are for preference toroidal sealing rings which can be located in suitably arranged sealing grooves provided either in the ball as shown or in the socket. The former arrangement is preferred as if the sealing rings are located in grooves in the socket such sealing rings can be damaged by the peripheral groove in the ball as the same is moved when adjusting the liquid spray and may even be pressed into such groove with the result that the flow of substance might be interrupted.

If desired the ball could be made of a suitable synthetic plastic material which itself has sealing and selflubricating bearing characteristics. A suitable material for this purpose is polymerised tetrafluoro ethylene synthetic plastic.

To prevent the creation of a back pressure, particularly when the nozzles are adjusted to give a fine spray means are provided for regulating the flow of water in the mixing device simultaneously with and in accordance with the regulation of the flow of water through the adjustable nozzles.

For this purpose the plunger 108 is provided with an extension 58 which forms a needle valve projecting into the through bore 49, the needle valve being shaped complementarily to the venture shape of the bore. The needle valve is thus axially displaced upon adjustment of the nozzles to effect variation of the cross-sectional area of the restricted passage formed by. through bore 49 with resulting regulation of the flow of liquid therethrough.

In the device shown in FIG. 6 a mixing device of the kind disclosed in FIG. 5 is combined with a liquid spray having a single adjustable nozzle axial movement of the nozzle being obtained by a screw thread arrangement. In this construction'the nozzle grooves 106 are formed on the periphery of a disc 59 having a screw threaded extension 60 extending into the housing 56 of the spray device. The screw thread engages with a'correspondingly threaded hole 61 provided in a partition wall 62 extending across the interior of the housing, the partition wall having a plurality of apertures 63 for the flow of water to the nozzle. Axial displacement of the disc is obtained by "7 rotation thereof, a winged extension 64 being provided for convenience of the user. The device shown in FIG. 7 shows the use of a spray device 44 having a non-adjustable spray nozzle 65 in combination with a mixing device of the kind disclosed in connection with FIG. 5. In this arrangement the needle valve is not required.

' In FIGS. 6 and 7 the capsule magazine, piercing plunger and other parts of the mixing device have been left out as these are fully described in connection with FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.

FIGURE 8 discloses an alternative construction of liquid spray devicein which the simultaneous regulation of the two nozzles is also effected by operation of a common operating member but through a preferably difierential screw thread arrangement instead of cams as in the construction of FIG. 5.

As shown in FIGURE 8 the housing 56 is provided with an inwardly extending boss 118 having a threaded bore 119 receiving the correspondingly threaded end portion of a tubular member 120 the bore of which is co-axial with the housing inlet 102, the wall of the tubular member 120 being provided with

radial apertures

130 and 131 which place the interior of the casing in communication with the inlet 102. The outer end of the tubular member120 is provided with a disc 121 the periphery of which is formed with the axially extending grooves 106 which form the inner nozzle appertures with the surrounding bore 122 of a flanged ring 123 the outer peripheral surface of which is also provided with axially extending grooves 106 which form the outer nozzle apertures with the surrounding enlarged bore 103 of the housing 56.

The flange 124 of ring 123 has an internal thread 125 which engages with a correspondingly threaded portion 126 of the tubular member 120. Thus by eifecting rotation of the tubular member the disc 121 and ring 123 are axially displaced to adjust the spray nozzles, relative adjustment being obtained by providing threads of different pitch. Rotation of the ring 123 is prevented by providing the same With a stop pin 127 slidable in a drilling 128 provided in the boss 118 and rotation of the tubular member is facilitated by the provision of an outwardly extending winged extension 129 which can be grasped by the user.

In FIGURE 9 a particular form of nozzle groove 106 is shown. Each groove 106 is of V cross section the grooves gradually reducing in width, from the inner end 132 thereof, the axially extending surfaces 133 between adjacent grooves providing adequate bearing surface for guiding the nozzle in the surrounding bore, the inner end of each said surface 133 being chamfered as at 134. Particularly efiicient control of the spray effect can be obtained with this construction of groove.

By suitably designing the

cams

113, 114 the differential thread arrangement and/or the nozzles the liquid discharge from the nozzles can be varied within wide limits.

The combined mixing device and liquid spray of the present invention is particularly suitable for use as a bath spray as the device can be installed with the magazine lying in a substantially horizontal plane so that the capsules will remain in position on the ring even although the same are not positively held thereon. Further, with the magazine disclosed, it is possible to arrange capsules containing different substances or capsules containing different perfumes in any desired order Which can be selected for use at the discrimination of the user.

I claim:

1. A mixing device for delivering liquid mixtures comprising, in combination, mixing means having inlet and outlet openings for a liquid, passage means for the flow of liquid between said inlet and outlet openings, and a suction passage communicating with said passage means and adapted to deliver to said passage means a substance to be mixed with said liquid in the said passage means by the suction-effect created by the flow of liquid through the said passage means; holding means on said mixing means for holding a capsule adjacent said suction passage so that upon piercing of said capsule the contents thereof will enter said suction passage; and piercing means carried by said mixing means for puncturing said capsule while the same is held by said holding means.

2. A mixing device for delivering liquid mixtures comprising, in combination, mixing meanshaving inlet and outlet openings for a liquid, passage means for the flow of liquid between said inlet and outlet openings, and. a suction passage communicating with said passage means and adapted to deliver to said passage means a substance to be mixed with said liquid in the said passage means by the suction efiect created by the flow of liquid through the said passage means; holding means on said mixing means for holding a capsule adjacent said suction passage so that upon piercing of said capsule the contents thereof will enter said suction passage; and piercing means carried by said mixing means for puncturing said capsule while the same is held by said holding means, said piercing means including means for puncturing said capsule in a manner whereby the interior thereof is opened for discharge of said substance at one region thereof and is opened to atmospheric pressure at another region thereof spaced from said first-mentioned region thereof.

3. A mixing device for delivering liquid mixtures comprising, in combination, mixing means having inlet and outlet openings for a liquid, passage means for the flow of liquid between said inlet and outlet openings, and a suction passage communicating with said passage means and adapted to deliver to said passage means a substance to be mixed with said liquid in the said passage means by the suction effect created by the flow of liquid through the said passage means; holding means on said mixing means for holding a capsule'adjacent said suction passage so that upon piercing of said capsule the contents thereof will enter said suction passage; and piercing means carried by said mixing means for puncturing said capsule while the same is held by said holding means, said piercing means comprising an elongated member having a pointed end and a longitudinally extending slot formed therein, said elongated member having a length greater than that of the maximum dimension of said capsule, and mounting mean carried by said mixing means mounting said elongated member for longitudinally slidable movement from a position in which the pointed end of said elongated member is adjacent said capsule to a position in which said elongated member extends through said capsule with said pointed end of said elongated member puncturing said capsule at a region thereof opposite to and spaced from the region thereof at which said elongated member passes into said capsule so that said capsule is opened for discharge of said substance through the longitudinally extending slot of said elongated member at one of said regions thereof and is opened to atmospheric pressure through the longitudinally extending slot of said elongated member at the other and opposite of said regions thereof.

4. A mixing device for delivering liquid mixtures comprising, in combination, mixing means having inlet and outlet openings for a liquid, passage means for the flow of liquid between said inlet and outlet openings, and a suction passage communicating with said passage means and adapted to deliver to said passage means a substance to be mixed with said liquid in the said passage means by the suction efliect created by the flow of liquid through the said passage means; holding means on said mixing means for holding a capsule adjacent said suction passage so that upon piercing of said capsule the contents thereof will enter said suction passage; piercing means carriedby said mixing means for puncturing said capsule while the same is held by said holding means; and container means on said mixing means for collecting said substance discharged from said capsule, said suction passage of said mixing meanscommunicating with said cons eaves 9 tainer means so that upon the flow of liquid through said passage means said substance discharged from said capsule and collected in said container means is sucked from said container means through said suction passage into said passage means.

5. A mixing device for delivering liquid mixtures com prising, in combination, mixing means having inlet and outlet openings for a liquid, passage means for the flow of liquid between said inlet and outlet openings, and a suction passage communicating with said passage means and adapted to deliver to said passage means a substance to be mixed with said liquid in the said passage means by the suction efiect created by the flow of liquid through the said passage means; holding means on said mixing means for holding a capsule adjacent said suction passage so that upon piercing of said capsule the contents thereof will enter said suction passage; securing means on said mixing means positioned to abut said capsule when said capsule is urged out of said holding means by the piercing thereof thereby to urge said capsule back to said holding means; and piercing means carried by said mixing means for puncturing said capsule while the same is held by said holding means.

6. A mixing device for delivering liquid mixtures comprising, in combination, mixing means having inlet and outlet openings for a liquid, passage means for the flow of liquid between said inlet and outlet openings, and a suction passage communicating with said passage means and adapted to deliver to said passage means a substance to be mixed with said liquid in the said passage means by the suction eifect created by the flow of liquid through the said passage means; holding means on said mixing means for holding a plurality of capsules and for positioning a selected one of said capsules adjacent said suction passage so that upon piercing of said one capsule the contents thereof will enter said suction passage; and piercing means carried by said mixing means for puncturing said one capsule while the same is held by said holding means.

7. A mixing device for delivering liquid mixtures comprising, in combination, mixing means having inlet and outlet openings for a liquid, passage means for the flow of liquid between said inlet and outlet openings, and a suction passage communicating with said passage means and adapted to deliver to said passage means a substance to be mixed with said liquid in the said passage means by the suction efiect created by the How of liquid through the said passage means; holding means rotatably mounted on said mixing means for holding a plurality of capsules in spaced relationship to each other and adapted to be rotated to position a selected one of said capsules adjacent said suction passage so that upon piercing of said one capsule the contents thereof will enter said suction passage; and piercing means carried by said mixing means for puncturing said one capsule while the same is held by said holding means.

8. A mixing device for delivering liquid mixtures comprising, in combination, mixing means having an axis, inlet and outlet openings for a liquid, axially extending passage means for the flow of liquid between said inlet and outlet openings, and a suction passage communicating with said passage means and adapted to deliver to said passage means a substance to be mixed with said liquid in the said passage means by the suction effect created by the flow of liquid through the said passage means; holding means comprising a substantially annular member rotatably mounted on said mixing means for rotation in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of said mixing means and having a plurality of apertures formed therein in spaced relationship to each other, each of said apertures being adapted to hold one of a plurality of capsules and being positioned so that upon rotation of said annular member a selected one of said capsules is positioned adjacent said suction passage and upon piercing of said selected one capsule the contents thereof will enter said suction passage; and piercing means carried by said mixing means for puncturing said selected one capsule while the same is held by said holding means.

9. A mixing device for delivering liquid mixtures comprising, in combination, mixing means having inlet and outlet openings for a liquid, passage means for the flow of liquid between said inlet and outlet openings, and a suction passage communicating with said passage means and adapted to deliver to said passage means a substance to be mixed with said liquid in the said passage means by the suction effect created by the flow of liquid through the said passage means; holding means on said mixing means for holding a capsule adjacent said suction passage so that upon piercing of said capsule the contents thereof will enter said suction passage; heating insulating means interposed between said mixing means and said holding means for preventing the transfer of heat from said mixing means to said capsule; and piercing means carried by said mixing means for puncturing said capsule while the same is held by said holding means.

10. A mixing device for delivering liquid mixtures comprising, in combination, mixing means having inlet and outlet openings for a liquid, passage means for the flow of liquid between said inlet and outlet openings, and a suction passage communicating with said passage means and adapted to deliver to said passage means a substance to be mixed with said liquid in the said passage means by the suction effect created by the flow of liquid through the said passage means; holding means on said mixing means for holding a capsule adjacent said suction pas sage so that upon piercing of said capsule the contents thereof will enter said suction passage; piercing means carried by said mixing means for puncturing said capsule while the same is held by said holding means; and spray means coupled to said mixing means and communicating with the outlet opening of said passage means.

11. A mixing device for delivering liquid mixtures comprising, in combination, mixing means having inlet and outlet openings for a liquid, passage means for the flow of liquid between said inlet and outlet openings, and a suction passage communicating with said passage means and adapted to deliver to said passage means a substance to be mixed with said liquid in the said passage means by the suction efiect created by the flow of liquid through the said passage means; holding means on said mixing means for holding a capsule adjacent said suction passage so that upon piercing of said capsule the contents thereof will enter said suction passage; piercing means carried by said mixing means for puncturing said capsule while the same is held by said holding means; a universal joint supported by said mixing means; and spray means coupled to said universal joint and communicating with the outlet opening of said passage means.

12. A mixing device for delivering liquid mixtures comprising, in combination, mixing means having a socket formed therein adapted to support a ball joint, inlet and outlet openings for a liquid, passage means for the flow of liquid between said inlet and outlet openings, and a suction passage communicating with said passage means and adapted to deliver to said passage means a substance to be mixed with said liquid in the said passage means by the suction effect created by the flow of liquid through the said passage means; holding means on said mixing means for holding a capsule adjacent said suction passage so that upon piercing of said capsule the contents thereof will enter said suction passage; piercing means carried by said mixing means for puncturing said capsule while the same is held by said holding means; a ball joint rotatably supported in the socket of said mixing means; and spray means coupled to said ball joint and communicating with the outlet opening of said passage means.

13. A mixing device for delivering liquid mixtures comprising, in combination, mixing means having inlet and outlet openings for a liquid, passage means for the flow of liquid between said inlet and outlet openings, a socket formed in said passage means between said inlet and outlet openings and adapted to support a ball joint, and a suction passage communicating with said passage means and adapted to deliver to said passage means a substance to be mixed with said liquid in the said passage means by the suction effect created by the flow of liquid through the said passage means; holding means on said mixing means for holding a capsule adjacent said suction passage so that upon piercing of said capsule the contents thereof will enter said suction passage; piercing means carried by said mixing means for puncturing said capsule while the same is held by said holding means; a ball joint'rotatably sup ported in the socket of said mixing means, said ball joint having an aperture formedtherethrough for the flow of liquid between said inlet and outlet openings of said rmxing means and an auxiliary suction passage formed therein and communicating with said suction passage and with said aperture and adapted to deliver to said aperture a substance to be mixed with said liquid in the said aperture by the suction effect created by the flow of liquid through the said aperture; and spray means coupled to said ball joint and communicating with said aperture;

7 14. A mixing device for delivering liquid mixtures comprising, in combination, mixing means having inlet and outlet openingsfor a liquid, passage means for the flow of liquid between said inlet and outlet openings, a socket formed in said passage means between said inlet and outlet openings and adapted to support a ball joint, and a suction passage communicating with said passage means and adapted to deliver to said passage means a substance to be mixed with said liquid in the said passage means by the suction effect created by the flow of liquid through the said passage means; holding means on said mixing means for holding a capsule adjacent said suction passage so that upon piercing of said capsule the contents thereof will enter said suction passage; piercing means carried by said mixing means for puncturing said capsule while the same is held by said holding means; a ball joint rotatably supported in the socket of said mixing means in a manner whereby said ball joint occupies a selected one of a plurality of positions in relation to said socket, said ball joint having an aperture formed therethrough for the flow of liquid between said inlet and outlet openings of said mixing means and an auxiliary suction passage including a peripheral groove formed therein and communicating with said suction passage and with said aperture in each of said plurality of positions and adapted to deliver to said aperture a substance to be mixed with said liquid in the said aperture by the suction effect created by the flow of liquid through the said aperture; and spray means coupled to said ball joint and communicating with said aperture.

15. A mixing device for delivering liquid mixtures comprising, in combination, mixing means having passage means with an inlet end for introducing a liquid under pressure and an outlet end for delivering the desired liquid mixture; conduit means communicating with said passage means at a point between and spaced from said inlet and outlet ends thereof for admitting a substance to be mixed with said liquid under a pressure smaller than the pressure under which said liquid is introduced into said passage means through said inlet end thereof; means for adjusting the cross-sectional area of said outlet end of said passage means so as to restrict the flow of liquid mixture through said outlet end when required; and means for adjusting the cross-sectional area of said passage means between said inlet end thereof and the point thereof at which said conduit means communicates with said passage means so as to permit restriction of the cross-sectional area of said passage means before admission of said substance thereinto simultaneously with restriction of said outlet end of said passage means whereby back pressure in said passage means created by restriction of said outlet end of said passage means at the point of admission of said sub- 12 stance in said passage means is avoided by simultaneous restriction of the volume of liquid admitted to said lastmentioned-point.

16. A mixing device for delivering liquid mixtures comprising, in combination, mixing means having passage means withan inlet end for introducing a liquid under pressure and an outlet end for delivering the desired liquid mixture; conduit means communicating with said passage means at a point between and spaced from said inlet and outlet ends thereof for admitting a substance tobe mixed with said liquid under a pressure smaller than the pressure under which said liquid is introduced into said passage means through said inlet end thereof; spray means coupled to said mixing means and communicating with the outlet end of said passage means; output adjusting means for adjusting the cross-sectional area of said spray means so as to restrict the flow of liquid mixture through said spray means when required; flow adjusting means for adjusting the cross-sectional area of said passage means between said inlet end thereof and the point thereof at which said conduit means communicates with said passage means so as to'permit restriction of the cross-sectional area of said passage means before admission of said substance thereinto simultaneously with restriction of said spray means whereby back pressure in said passage means created by restriction of said spray means at the point of admission of said substance in said passage means is avoided by simultaneous restriction of the volume of liquid admitted to said last-mentioned point; and coupling means coupling said output adjusting means to said flow adjusting means in a manner whereby the cross-sectional area of said passage means between said inlet end thereof and the point thereof at which said conduit means communicates with said passage means is adjusted simultaneously with and in the same direction as the cross-sectional area of said spray means upon adjustment of said cross-sectional area of said spray means.

17. A mixing device for delivering liquid mixtures comprising, in combination, mixing means having an axis and axially extending passage means with an inlet end for introducing a liquid under pressure and an outlet end for delivering the desired liquid mixture; conduit means communicating with said passage means at a point between and spaced from said inlet and outlet ends thereof for admitting a substance to be mixed with said liquid under a pressure smaller than the pressure under which said liquid is introduced into said passage means through said inlet end thereof; spray means coupled to said mixing means and communicating with the outlet end of said passage means; output adjusting means for adjusting the cross-sectional area of said spray means so as to restrict the flow of liquid mixture through said spray means when required; flow adjusting means for adjusting the cross-sectional area of said passage means between said inlet end thereof and the point thereof at which said conduit means communicates with said passage means so as to permit restriction of the cross-sectional area of said passage means before admission of said substance thereinto simultaneously with restriction of said spray means whereby back pressure in said passage means created by restriction of said spray means at the point of admission of said substance in said passage means is avoided by simultaneous restriction of the volume of liquid admitted to said lastmentioned point, said flow adjusting means comprising a tapered elongated member coaxially positioned in said passage means; and coupling means coupling said output adjusting means to said tapered elongated member in a manner whereby said tapered elongated member is axially moved with the adjustment of said output adjusting means so that the cross-sectional area of said passage means between said inlet end thereof and the point thereof at which said conduit means communicates with said passage means is adjusted simultaneously with and in the same direction 13 as the cross-sectional area of said spray means upon ad- 983,555 justment of said crosssectional area of said spray means. 1,255,813 2,006,688 References Cited in the file of this patent 2,049,141 5 2,462,752 UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,469,642 772,910 McKechney Oct. 18, 1904 2,551,738

14 Kelley Feb. 7, 1911 Brew Feb. 5, 1918 Schmiedeknecht July 2, 1935 Schneider July 28, 1936 Kotches et a1 Feb. 22, 1949 Grewe May 10, 1949 Hanthorn May 8, 1951